By Vivienne Russell | 14 October 2011
Professor Malcolm Grant has been named as the preferred chair of the NHS Commissioning Board, which will play a central role in the government’s planned health reforms.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said Grant, who is currently the president and provost of University College London, had ‘distinction and authority, is outstandingly capable and has excellent leadership skills’.
Lansley added: ‘He has a strong track record of delivery in complex public sector organisations and shares the public sector ethos and values of the NHS.’
Grant is a qualified barrister and academic lawyer, with an expertise in planning and environmental law. He was chair of the Local Government Commission for England from 1996 to 2002 and chaired the Russell Group of top UK universities from 2006 to 2009. He is currently on the board of the Higher Education Funding Council for England.
Commenting on his proposed appointment, Grant said: ‘I am passionate about the NHS and see the Commissioning Board as playing key part in delivering a service which meets the future needs of patients and of the nation. We need to build on the very best NHS qualities of dedicated public service, professionalism and pride.’
The NHS Commissioning Board will allocate and account for NHS resources, hold the new local clinical commissioning groups to account and promote patient choice.
Grant’s appointment is subject to the approval of the Commons health select committee. His pre-appointment scrutiny hearing will take place on October 18.
